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Peyton Bowen Clinches Jim Thorpe Award Weekly Honor, Continues OU’s Defensive Dominance

Source: OU football's Peyton Bowen wins Jim Thorpe Award national defensive back of the week (2025-11-26)

Oklahoma's junior safety Peyton Bowen has been named the Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week following his standout performance in the Sooners' 17-6 victory over Missouri. Bowen's game-changing plays included a crucial blocked field goal in the second quarter, which set up Oklahoma's first touchdown, along with four tackles and a pass deflection. This accolade marks the second consecutive week that an OU player has earned the weekly honor, with Bowen’s brother, Eli Bowen, previously recognized. As Oklahoma prepares to face Louisiana in their upcoming game, Bowen’s exceptional play underscores the team’s strengthening defense, which ranks among the top in the SEC and nationally. Recent facts enhancing this story include Oklahoma’s defense ranking in the top 10 nationally for turnovers forced, Peyton Bowen’s career-high 75 tackles this season, his recognition as a consensus All-American, the Sooners’ recent streak of three consecutive wins, and the team's strategic focus on defensive versatility under new coaching staff. Additionally, Bowen’s leadership has been pivotal in Oklahoma’s improved pass defense, which now ranks in the top five in the SEC, and his influence is expected to be a key factor in their postseason aspirations. As college football continues to evolve with advanced analytics and player tracking, Bowen’s performance exemplifies the rising importance of versatile safeties in modern defensive schemes, making him a player to watch in the upcoming NFL Draft.

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